Youth Writings & Art

Book review by Ashton (Ash) (They/Them/He/Him), a 17 year-old non-binary youth

Book Review of PET by Akwaeke Emezi

(Content warning: this review covers topics that are included within the book regarding mentions of abuse, mentions of transphobia, and occasionally other sensitive conversations.) 

I think, out of all the books I’ve ever read that have included trans characters, this is by far, the best. This book covered so many points throughout the story that, in typical literature, seem to get disregarded; tossed to the side like so many other things that sincerely deserve time in the spotlight. At first, I thought this book was going to be ‘just another book’. I was so very wrong about that; this story was so much more than simply ‘just another book’. The characters within this plot are so beautifully put together, their stories and experiences so well written and honestly make me feel every single emotion woven into their narratives.  I absolutely loved this book and I am proud to say that, after reading it, it’s now my favorite story. 

PET, written by Akwaeke Emezi, is an amazing work of art. The way in which the author portrays the relationships between the characters- the interaction between families and friends- it’s so beautiful. The way in which they portray transness and queerness in such normalcy (the way it should be shown in everyday life)- it just strikes me as so amazing. 

Personally, I also love the representation of having sign language and other methods of communication in the story, when Jam, the main character, isn't voicing. Though I am not someone who deals with this, I can see this piece of writing possibly creating a sense of belonging for those who do communicate like Jam when she has a period of not speaking. But then again, I wouldn't want to speak over those who are actively living this experience. 

Like I mentioned earlier, I really do love the way in which the author presents how the main character is a trans girl. The plot goes on to explain how when Jam was young, she didn’t speak for the first few years of her life and then the symbolization of her first time voicing was very impactful because it was to correct the person of her gender. Her story was that she ended up going on puberty blockers and then was able to get on hormones by the time she was 15, the age she is currently in the book. 

Another thing that I think is especially beautiful within this story, is Jam’s relationship with her best friend, Redemption. Their entire relationship builds upon trust that has accumulated over the years of knowing one another. The sweet conversations and gentle hand holdings between the two are honestly one of the best representations of healthy friendships I have seen in a while. They respect one another's boundaries, giving each other time to breathe if they need it. It’s honestly so sweet, and I just love their interactions so much. 

Redemption's parents are another part of the story in which I have a soft spot for. Especially in one scene that Jam witnesses, where Redemptions' mom, dad, and third parent, are hanging out together, seemingly resting after a long day. The three of them just seem so sweet on each other and also on their kids, Redemption and his little brother, Moss. Like three parts of a team, their relationship is yet another example of love being normalized as just another part of the story- as it should be. All three of them honestly just seem so sweet, and just them being part of the story and their relationship existing just makes me so happy. 

Now, the concept of monsters and angels also seem to be a large part of the basis for the book- a big part of what the story is built on. In short, Lucille, the place in which the story takes place, it is believed that ‘monsters’ are no longer roaming about. Monsters, in this story, are basically people who are abusers or those who have and are committing evil acts. Angels, on the other hand, are thought to be people who fought back against these monsters- people who worked for the good of Lucille and to protect those who were getting harmed. Pet, a creature who emerges from one of Jam’s mother’s paintings, turns out to be a different kind of angel- a special kind that only comes over when needed. The whole story about Jam’s relationship and interactions with this creature is so interesting in so many ways, and honestly it just makes the story so much better as the storyline continues. 

I also personally relate to the part in the story where Redemption is overcome by the thought of his younger brother possibly being the target of a monster, someone that could be living in his own home. As someone who is extremely protective over my younger sibling, has been through similar acts of abuse and trauma, and having to step in and protect my own brother, this part of the story really hit home. I found something in Redemption’s character that I could relate back to myself, and that is something I really, truly admire in an author’s work. 

Overall, this was a beautiful story. The author pulled each detail together perfectly, rounding out the rough edges and where the rough edges needed to be shown, they left them. As a nonbinary person, I really enjoyed reading it, and being able to witness the beautiful and raw points of this book. I also personally loved that the author is nonbinary as well and as a writer myself, I hope that someday am able to create a story as amazing as this one. 

Artwork by Ollie, a 17 year-old transgender boy living in New Hampshire

Songs written by a 17 year old female to male transgender youth

Speak

Please listen to me 
I have a voice and I want to speak 
Let me be free 
Let me be me 

I have so much to say 
Just you always look the other way 
Please give me something to feel relief 
Please I just need to find peace 

Just let me say what I want to 
Don’t be too quick to accuse 
You don’t know what it feels like inside 
Don’t tell me you understand my life 

You don’t understand 
You don’t understand what it feels like 
You don’t understand 
You don’t understand what it feels like 

Please just let me be me 
Please just let me be free 
Please just listen to me speak.

Stop The Bully

Submitted by a fourteen year old TYEF youth

M2F Guuurl

The sun continues

To rise everymorning,

And the moon rises,

Everynight

It happens without fail,

And the stars,

Or the clouds,

Follow along

It doesn't matter,

Whether my day

Has been great

Or if it has been horrible

The sun is still there

In the morning

And the moon

At night

This is my favorite constant

For when either appears,

I feel protected and safe,

For those hours of day or night.

Poems by Athena Edmonds, a published poet and mom to a beautiful transboy

Gender’s Waiting Room

Samantha Phippen Morgan, 
dressed in cargo pants, hiking boots, 
and a camo shirt. Serviceman 
in the elevator, What a cute boy, 
he says. Saleslady at CVS, 
With those eyes you’ll break 
ladies’ hearts, she says. 
Drycleaner behind the counter, 
Boy or girl, she asks; beautiful 
eyelashes but boy pants confuse her. 
Boy or girl, I ask. But you refuse 
to answer. Instead, you bang and bang 
your head against the counter. 

Late at night you sit on my lap. 
You ask me, Are my eyes beautiful? 
They are, they are, I say. 
And you ask me, Are my eyelashes beautiful? 
They are, they are, I say. 
Then I’m going to need to cut them off, you say.

Last Dress